Cost of Living: Buffalo, NY vs Lubbock, TX (2026)

Buffalo

New York
61
VS

Lubbock

Texas
75

Buffalo is 19% cheaper than Lubbock.

$989/mo ↓ 13%
Median Rent
$1,137/mo ↑ 15%
$48,050/yr ↓ 21%
Median Income
$60,487/yr ↑ 26%
$152,300 ↓ 23%
Home Value
$197,900 ↑ 30%
$929/mo ↓ 21%
Owner Costs
$1,179/mo ↑ 27%
276,397
Population
261,078

Tax Comparison

10.9%
Income Tax
0%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.62%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

24.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Buffalo, NY and Lubbock, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 61 and 75 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $148/month cheaper in Buffalo, saving renters about $1,776/year.

Median household income is $12,437/year higher in Lubbock. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Buffalo is $152,300 compared to $197,900 in Lubbock.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Lubbock residents a significant tax advantage over New York's 10.9% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Buffalo vs Lubbock — common questions

Is Buffalo or Lubbock cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Buffalo is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 75 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Buffalo and Lubbock?
Median rent in Buffalo is $989/month and in Lubbock it's $1,137/month — a difference of $148/month.
Which city has higher income, Buffalo or Lubbock?
Median household income is $48,050 in Buffalo and $60,487 in Lubbock. Median household income is $12,437/year higher in Lubbock.
How do taxes compare between New York and Texas?
New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Buffalo or Lubbock?
It depends on your priorities. Buffalo has a cost index of 61 with median rent of $989/mo, while Lubbock has a cost index of 75 with rent of $1,137/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Buffalo details → View Lubbock details →

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